We bring you a 5-day guide to Mumbai's best restaurants and heady night spots, cool getaway escapes, and options to party at home
Vibe > Copa
Cheers! That’s how they begin everything at Copa. True to their Spanish name (Copa means a glass) the place offers high-spirited beginnings that are followed by conversations flowing over delish food.
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Along with a robust list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Copa boasts of an ambiance that will bowl you over. The bar and lounge is divided into three sections — indoor, outdoor and an al fresco bar zone that will surely grab the eye for its wooden swings (with a wooden plank,u00a0covering up as a table) we’re sure it’s bound to give patrons an heady, oscillating time!
From Apple Pie Infused Tea,u00a0to a Ginger-Spiked Apple and Pear Muddle, and the revitalising Cucumberu00a0Rosita — lemonade splashed over rosemary, cucumber,u00a0mint and lime, the drinks are not just tasty but innovative asu00a0well. Guzzlers will be be spoiltu00a0for choice with interesting cocktails. To make Christmas memorable this year, Copau00a0will gift their guests Secret Santa goodies, albeit with a slight twist.u00a0They will hand out Christmas stockings with Thank Youu00a0Cards that contain different Secret Santa gifts including restaurant gift cards, discounts on your cheque, free dessertsu00a0to share, complimentaryu00a0cocktails or mocktails, free shots or a complimentary dish and so on. So, head to Copa to get lucky this festive season.
At: Copa, Lanna Building, 13th Road, opposite Juhu Gymkhana, next to Natural Ice creams, Juhu.
Time: 7.30 pm to 1.30 am.
Call: 6708383
Value for Money > Harry’s
The past two years have seen several international restaurant chains find home in Mumbai — Hakkasan, Serafina, Yauatcha, Le Cirque and many more. Harry’s from Singapore is the latest to join in.
This pub chain has its share of iconic status, and in a city with the ever-increasing prices of food and alcohol, a place with swift service and competitive tipple prices was welcomed with three cheers.
Harry’s chose Powai to make its gastronomic entry in the city, and this seems to have worked in its favour. Harry’s has an international garage pub vibe, which despite a dingy appeal, offers a welcoming ambiance for a post-work beer session with buddies. The best reason, however, to visit the pub is its price list. They boast of a strong and exhaustive alcohol menu too. Some of their innovative cocktails include Dirty Harry and Caramel Popcorn Martini. Dirty Harry is a pretty-looking drink with mint vodka and ice mixed with sugar topped with litchi. This caramel-ey cocktail is a fabulous mix a popcorn-topped martini that will satiate your sweet tooth, and calls for an encore.
For beer lovers, they offer several international brews.u00a0But what’s alcohol withoutu00a0yum finger food? Harry’s fares well in that department too.u00a0One can choose from baru00a0food such as fries, cheese-laden nachos with herbs and our favourite Harry's Jazz Burger.u00a0A layer of vegetable slices topped with an omelette, a sizeable patty and bacon, this one is a must-have with its pickled veggies and fries on the side. If you count yourself among those unfortunate souls who might be working on New Year’s Eve, head to Harry’s to give their special cocktails for the New Year a try.
At: First floor, 103, Ventura Park, IT Building, Hiranandaniu00a0Gardens, opposite D Mart, Powai.
Call: 30932030
Time: 12 pm to 1.30 am
Innovation > Barking Deer
If you are tired of guzzling on the same brands of beer, each time you step into a bar, The Barking Deer comes as a refreshing change of scene. We do not promise that you would fall for all of it, but chances are, you could develop a liking for at least one of their beers.
The last time we were there, they were serving three home-brewed beers, each varying in taste and alcohol content. But hey, the Barking Deer is not just about alcohol; it also serves a potent mix of starters, mocktails and yum desserts, including the Cappuccino Crème Brulee. Located opposite the Blue Frog, in Lower Parel, it’s also a fun place to hang out. And, while you are there, tuck into their smokin’ hot Buffalo Wings.
At: Mathuradas Mills Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel.
Call: 61417400
Time: 11.30 am to 1.30 am
Bar Menu > The Daily
A place that will make you kick up your heels with a bloody, good drink is The Daily. Warm-hued in browns and soft lighting, there’s ample variety of seating bracketed with a candle-lit section.
It’s pricing tilts towards the steeper end, while the menu brims with extensive nibble and booze options that will leave a hungry tippler happy. For the intrigued, there is a separate molecular section among cocktails that experiment with spice and smoke.
Think, the green-tea based, Tini that paints an exotic picture when served. The cuisine served a mix of American, Mexican, Italian and Moroccan. With dishes like Beef On Fire, it’s time you flared to this lit outpost of coolness, now.
At: Ground Floor, behind Shoppers Stop, SV Road, Bandra (W)
Call: 9920446633
Time: 7 pm to 1 am
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. All-round experience: Blue Frog